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Biomedical subjects

S Marcovina

Publications and source records attributed to S Marcovina.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Low density lipoprotein receptor-negative mice expressing human apolipoprotein B-100 develop complex atherosclerotic lesions on a chow diet: no accentuation by apolipoprotein(a).

We have generated mice with markedly elevated plasma levels of human low density lipoprotein (LDL) and reduced plasma levels of high density lipoprotein. These mice have no functional LDL receptors [LDLR-/-] and express a human apolipoprotein B-100 (apoB) transgene [Tg(apoB+/+)] with or without an apo(a) transgene [Tg(apoa+/-)]. Twenty animals (10 males and 10 females) of each of the following four genotypes were maintained on a chow diet: (i) LDLR-/-, (ii) LDLR-/-;Tg(apoa+/-), (iii) LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+), and (iv)LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+);Tg(apo+/-). The mice were killed at 6 mo, and the percent area of the aortic intimal surface that stained positive for neutral lipid was quantified. Mean percent areas of lipid staining were not significantly different between the LDLR-/- and LDLR-/-;Tg(apoa+/-) mice (1.0 +/- 0.2% vs. 1.4 +/- 0.3%). However, the LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+) mice had approximately 15-fold greater mean lesion area than the LDLR-/- mice. No significant difference was found in percent lesion area in the LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+) mice whether or not they expressed apo(a) [18.5 +/- 2.5%, without lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), vs. 16.0 +/- 1.7%, with Lp(a)]. Histochemical analyses of the sections from the proximal aorta of LDLR-/-;Tg(apoB+/+) mice revealed large, complex, lipid-laden atherosclerotic lesions that stained intensely with human apoB-100 antibodies. In mice expressing Lp(a), large amounts of apo(a) protein colocalized with apoB-100 in the lesions. We conclude that LDLR-/-; Tg(apoB+/+) mice exhibit accelerated atherosclerosis on a chow diet and thus provide an excellent animal model in which to study atherosclerosis. We found no evidence that apo(a) increased atherosclerosis in this animal model.

Animal Feed

Equivalent efficacy of a time-release form of niacin (Niaspan) given once-a-night versus plain niacin in the management of hyperlipidemia.

This study compared the efficacy and safety of a once-a-night, time-release niacin formulation, Niaspan (Kos Pharmaceuticals, Miami Lakes, FL), with plain niacin and placebo for the treatment of primary hypercholesterolemia. The study was conducted in nine academic lipid research clinics in a randomized, double-blind design. Niaspan 1.5 g at bedtime was compared with plain niacin 1.5 g/d after 8 weeks and 3.0 g/d after 16 weeks in divided doses and with placebo. A total of 223 hypercholesterolemic adult men and women participated. Compared with placebo at 8 weeks, Niaspan versus plain niacin at 1.5 g/d showed comparable efficacy, comparably lowering total cholesterol (C) (8%/8%), triglycerides (16%/18%), low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-C (12%/12%), apolipoprotein (apo B) (12%/12%), apo E (9%/7%), and lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] (15%/11%), and raising high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-C (20%/17%), HDL2-C (37%/33%), HDL3-C (17%/16%), and apo A-I (8%/6%) (P < or = .05 in all instances). After 16 weeks, the Niaspan effect on LDL-C and triglyceride was unchanged while the plain niacin effect approximately doubled. At equal doses of 1.5 g/d of Niapan versus plain niacin, respectively, AST increased 5.0% versus 4.8% (difference not significant [NS]), fasting plasma glucose increased 4.8% versus 4.5% (NS), and uric acid concentrations increased less, 6% versus 16% (P=.0001). Flushing events were more frequent with plain niacin versus Niaspan (1,905 v 576, P < .001). Flushing severity was slightly greater with Niaspan, but still well tolerated. In conclusion, Niaspan 1.5 g hour of sleep (hs) has comparable efficacy, a lower incidence of flushing, a lesser uric acid rise, and an equivalent hepatic enzyme effect than 500 mg thrice-daily plain niacin in hyperlipidemic subjects. Niaspan may be an equivalent or better alternative to plain niacin at moderate doses in the management of hyperlipidemia.

Double-Blind Method

The human homolog of rat Jagged1 expressed by marrow stroma inhibits differentiation of 32D cells through interaction with Notch1.

A cDNA clone encoding the human homolog of rat Jagged1 was isolated from normal human marrow. Analyses of human stromal cell lines indicate that this gene, designated hJagged1, is expressed by marrow stromal cells typified by the cell line HS-27a, which supports the long-term maintenance of hematopoietic progenitor cells. G-CSF-induced differentiation of 32D cells expressing Notch1 was inhibited by coculturing with HS-27a. A peptide corresponding to the Delta/Serrate/LAG-2 domain of hJagged1 and supernatants from COS cells expressing a soluble form of the extracellular portion of hJagged1 were able to mimic this effect. These observations suggest that hJagged1 may function as a ligand for Notch1 and play a role in mediating cell fate decisions during hematopoiesis.

Adult

Hepatic lipase activity is lower in African American men than in white American men: effects of 5' flanking polymorphism in the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC).

Plasma high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) concentrations are higher in African American men than in white men, but the mechanism(s) responsible for this ethnic difference has not been elucidated. This study examined the relationship between hepatic lipase activity, plasma HDL-C concentrations, and a hepatic lipase polymorphism (-514T) in African American and white American men. Consistent with previous reports, plasma HDL-C concentrations were significantly higher in African American men than in white American men. Mean post-heparin plasma hepatic lipase activity was significantly lower in African American than in white American men (27 +/- 12 vs. 44 +/- 17 mmol x h(-1) x l(-1), P < 0.001). The -514T hepatic lipase allele was associated with low hepatic lipase activity in both populations, and was 3-fold more common among African Americans than white Americans. Taken together, these data suggest that genetic differences in hepatic lipase activity contribute to the differences in plasma HDL-C concentrations between African American men and white American men.

Adult

High plasma HDL concentrations associated with enhanced atherosclerosis in transgenic mice overexpressing lecithin-cholesteryl acyltransferase.

A subset of patients with high plasma HDL concentrations have enhanced rather than reduced atherosclerosis. We have developed a new transgenic mouse model overexpressing human lecithin-cholesteryl acyltransferase (LCAT) that has elevated HDL and increased diet-induced atherosclerosis. LCAT transgenic mouse HDLs are abnormal in both composition and function. Liver uptake of [3H]cholesteryl ether incorporated in transgenic mouse HDL was reduced by 41% compared with control HDL, indicating ineffective transport of HDL-cholesterol to the liver and impaired reverse cholesterol transport. Analysis of this LCAT-transgenic mouse model provides in vivo evidence for dysfunctional HDL as a potential mechanism leading to increased atherosclerosis in the presence of high plasma HDL levels.

Animals

Extension of the Haseman-Elston method to multiple alleles and multiple loci: theory and practice for candidate genes.

The Haseman & Elston (1972) sibling-pair regression method has been used to detect and estimate the variance contribution to observed values of a quantitative trait by allelic variation in specific candidate genes. The procedure was developed under a model with a single biallelic trait locus. This assumption does not hold for several known systems. In this paper we prove that for candidate gene analysis the Haseman-Elston procedure extends to the case of multiple trait loci, each possibly having more than two alleles. Simulation experiments comparing single-locus to two-locus models show that fitting the extended regression equations maintains nominal significance levels, but the power to detect linkage to trait variation is not improved by including additional loci. These results indicate that the original proposal is statistically robust to violations of the underlying genetic model. Practical issues associated with quantifying the relative variance contribution by individual loci are also discussed. Applications of the extended regression equations to lipoprotein(a) and high density lipoprotein cholesterol are given for illustration.

Alleles

Lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase overexpression generates hyperalpha-lipoproteinemia and a nonatherogenic lipoprotein pattern in transgenic rabbits.

Cholesterol esterification within plasma lipoprotein particles is catalyzed by lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT). The impact of the overexpression of this enzyme on plasma concentrations of the different plasma lipoproteins in an animal model expressing cholesteryl ester transfer protein was evaluated by generating rabbits expressing human LCAT. A 6.2-kilobase human genomic DNA construct was injected into the pronuclei of rabbit embryos. Of the 1002 embryos that were injected, 3 founder rabbits were characterized that expressed the human LCAT gene. As in mice and humans, the principal sites of mRNA expression in these rabbits is in the liver and brain, indicating that the regulatory elements required for tissue-specific expression among these species are similar. The alpha-LCAT activity correlated with the number of copies of LCAT that integrated into the rabbit DNA. Compared with controls, the high expressor LCAT-transgenic rabbits total and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol concentrations were increased 1.5-2.5-fold with a 3.1-fold increase in the plasma cholesterol esterification rate. Analysis of the plasma lipoproteins by fast protein liquid chromatography indicates that these changes reflected an increased concentration of apolipoprotein E-enriched, HDL1-sized particles, whereas atherogenic apolipoprotein B particles disappeared from the plasma. The concentrations of plasma HDL cholesterol were highly correlated with both human LCAT mass (r = 0.93; p = 0.001) and the log LCAT activity (r = 0.94; p < 0.001) in the transgenic rabbits. These results indicate that overexpression of LCAT in the presence of cholesteryl ester transfer protein leads to both hyperalpha-lipoproteinemia and reduced concentrations of atherogenic lipoproteins.

Animals

Apolipoprotein(a) kringle 4-containing fragments in human urine. Relationship to plasma levels of lipoprotein(a).

Apo(a) is a large glycoprotein of unknown function that circulates in plasma as part of lipoprotein(a). Apo(a) is structurally related to plasminogen and contains at least 10 kringle (K)4 repeats (type 1-10), a K5 repeat and sequences similar to the protease domain of plasminogen. Plasminogen generates two biologically active peptides: plasmin and angiostatin, a kringle-containing peptide. As a first step in determining if apo(a) generates a similar kringle-containing peptide, human urine was immunologically examined. Fragments ranging in size from 85 to 215 kD were immunodetected using antibodies directed against epitopes in the K4-type 2 repeat, but not the K4-type 9 repeat or protease domain, NH2-terminal sequence analysis revealed sequences specific for the K4-type 1 repeat, confirming that the fragments are from the NH2 terminus of the K4 array. The amount of urinary apo(a) rose in proportion to the plasma lipoprotein(a) concentration. Even individuals with trace to no apo(a) in plasma had immunodetectable apo(a) fragments in their urine. Intravenous administration of the human urinary apo(a) into mice resulted in the urine. These findings suggest that the apo(a) fragments found in urine are formed extrarenally and then excreted by the kidney.

Amino Acid Sequence

Cholesterol levels among Japanese Americans and other populations: Seattle Nikkei Health Study.

The purpose of this study was to compare average cholesterol levels between Seattle based Japanese Americans and three other populations: U.S. population, native Japanese population and native Japanese urban workers. A total of 1,466 Japanese Americans (724 men and 742 women) participated in cardiovascular disease screening in the Seattle area during 1989 94. Data sources for comparisons are from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for 1988-91, the results of the National Cardiovascular Disease Examination Survey in Japan for 1990, and cardiovascular disease screening conducted by the Epidemiological Arteriosclerosis Research Institute in Japan for 1989. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels of Seattle Japanese American men and women were highest among the four populations. Among men, high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels for Seattle Japanese Americans and native Japanese were similar and fell between those of urban Japanese workers and the U.S. population. In women, the average HDL C levels were highest in the Japanese urban workers, second highest in Seattle Japanese Americans, and lowest in both the U.S. population and native Japanese population. These differences in lipid levels may be caused by both genetic and environmental factors, which are now under investigation.

Adult

Localization of apolipoprotein A-I epitopes involved in the activation of lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase.

Eight murine monoclonal antibodies (Mab) to apolipoprotein A-I were characterized for their epitopes and for their ability to interfere with lecithin:cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) activation mediated by apo apoA-I using a synthetic substrate. Using overlapping synthetic peptides we have identified six continuous epitopes that span amino acids 1-10 (Mab A-I-19), 96-101 (Mab A-I-15), 133-141 (Mab A-I-5), 140-145 (Mab A-I-9), 144-148 (Mab A-I-8), and 167-174 (Mab A-I-57). Furthermore, antibodies A-I-11 and A-I-16 recognized discontinuous epitopes, namely amino acids 124-128 and 144-148. When antibodies were tested for their ability to inhibit LCAT activation, an inhibitory effect was observed with those whose epitopes covered the area of apoA-I encompassing amino acids 96-174. From these data we conclude that several areas of apoA-I spanning the middle region of the apolipoprotein act in concert to stimulate LCAT activity, possibly by cooperative interaction with the enzyme.

Animals

In vitro expression of structural defects in the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase gene.

Classic LCAT deficiency (CLD) and fish eye disease (FED) are two clinically distinct syndromes, associated with defects in the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene resulting in total (CLD) or partial (FED) enzyme deficiency. In order to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms that lead to different phenotypic expression in CLD and FED, LCAT mutants associated with either CLD (LCAT147, LCAT156, and LCAT228) or FED (LCAT10, LCAT123, LCAT158, LCAT293, LCAT300, and LCAT347) were expressed in vitro in human embryonic kidney 293 cells and characterized with respect to LCAT expression and enzyme activity. Evaluation of mutant LCAT gene transcription by Northern blot analysis demonstrated LCAT mRNA of normal size and concentration. Although all constructs gave rise to similar intracellular LCAT mass, the amount of enzyme present in the media for LCAT147, LCAT156, and LCAT300 was reduced to less than 10% of normal, suggesting that these mutations disrupted LCAT secretion. Western blot analysis of cell culture media containing wild type or mutant LCAT demonstrated the presence of a single normal-sized band of 67 kDa. The ability of the different enzymes to esterify free cholesterol in high density lipoprotein-like proteoliposomes (alpha-LCAT-specific activity) was reduced to less than 5% of normal for CLD mutants LCAT147 and LCAT228 and FED mutants LCAT10, LCAT123, LCAT293, and LCAT347, whereas that of LCAT156, LCAT158, and LCAT300 ranged from 45 to 110% of control. Although most FED mutant LCAT enzymes retained the ability to esterify free cholesterol present in alpha- and beta-lipoproteins of heat-inactivated plasma, esterification was undetectable in all CLD mutants (LCAT147, LCAT156, and LCAT228). In contrast, all mutant enzymes retained the ability to hydrolyze the water soluble, short-chained fatty acid substrate p-nitrophenolbutyrate. In summary, our studies establish the functional significance of nine LCAT gene defects associated with either FED or CLD. Characterization of the expressed LCAT mutants identified multiple, overlapping functional abnormalities that include defects in secretion and/or disruption of enzymic activity. All nine LCAT mutants retained the ability to hydrolyze the water-soluble PNPB substrate, indicating intact hydrolytic function. Based on these studies we propose that mutations in LCAT residues 147, 156, 228 (CLD) and 10, 123, 158, 293, 300, and 347 (FED) do not disrupt the functional domain mediating LCAT phospholipase activity, but alter structural domains involved in lipid binding or transesterification.

Blotting, Northern

Relative contributions of apolipoprotein(a) and apolipoprotein-B to the development of fatty lesions in the proximal aorta of mice.

Transgenic mice expressing transgenes for both human apolipoprotein B-100 (h-apoB) and apolipoprotein(a) [apo(a)] were fed a high-fat, atherogenic diet for 14 weeks to examine the effect of lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)]on the development of aortic fatty lesions. The extent of lesions in the proximal region of the aorta of Lp(a) mice was measured by use of a computer-assisted image analysis of 20 sections per animal and compared with that of nontransgenic mice as well as mice expressing either the apo(a) or h-apoB transgene. The control (n = 23) and apo(a) (n = 22) transgenic mice had very small mean lesions areas (607 versus 128 microns2 per section). The h-apoB-expressing mice (n = 20) had significantly higher mean lesion areas (3288 microns2 per section) than either the control or apo(a) transgenic animals. Coexpression of apo(a) and h-apoB transgenes resulted in only a modest increase in lesion area (4678 microns2 per section, n = 19). Thus, the expression of human apo(a) in C57BL/6/SJL hybrid mice fed an atherogenic diet failed to significantly potentiate the development of aortic fatty lesions in the absence or presence of high levels of h-apoB.

Animals

Testosterone enanthate at a dose of 200 mg/week decreases HDL-cholesterol levels in healthy men.

The concept that androgen alone can provide an effective male contraceptive has been tested in a multicentre, multiphase trial by the World Health Organization. Results from this trial showed that an ester of testosterone, testosterone enanthate (TE), administered at a dose of 200 mg/week, has a very high contraceptive efficacy, and suggested that, at least in some populations, androgen alone might provide a viable option for the control of male fertility. It has been claimed that testosterone represents one of the gender-related risk factors for coronary artery disease (CAD) in men. Epidemiological and interventional studies have failed to establish a convincing relationship between testosterone and high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C). Therefore, there is concern about possible negative effects on lipoprotein asset of an androgen-alone male contraceptive. In this study we analysed the effects of long-term (12 months) administration of TE (200 mg/week) in normal healthy men. Blood samples (six men > 10 h fast = Group 1; 30 men > 4 h fast = Group 2) were drawn from 36 men, monthly before the beginning of the injections (control), every 3 months throughout the study period (treatment), and 1 month after stopping TE injections (recovery). Total cholesterol (chol), triglycerides, HDL-C and LDL-C levels were measured in these samples. Biochemical parameters were also monitored. TE administration induced a significant decrease (15-20%) in HDL-C levels that was of comparable magnitude in men from both groups (fasting and non-fasting) and occurred regardless of basal HDL-C levels. No statistically significant effect on other lipoproteins was detected. Considering all men together, HDL-C levels were decreased in 78% of the men by month 3, 83% by month 6, 94% by month 9 and 97% by month 12 of treatment. In all men the HDL-C decrease was reversible within 1 month of stopping TE administration. It is concluded that: (1) injection of 200 mg TE/week causes a 15-20% decrease in HDL-C in normal men with no effect on other lipoproteins, (2) the suppressive effect of TE is maintained throughout the 1-year-injection period, and a direct relationship between the duration of TE administration and the proportion of men showing decreased HDL-C levels, was observed. (3) The HDL-C decrease was reversible within 1 month of stopping TE administration. These data will be important in designing further studies on male contraception, and in interpreting the relationship between testosterone levels, HDL-C levels and potential cardiovascular risk.

Adult

Unique epitope of apolipoprotein A-I expressed in pre-beta-1 high-density lipoprotein and its role in the catalyzed efflux of cellular cholesterol.

The ability of mouse anti-apolipoprotein A-I (apo A-I) monoclonal antibodies to recognize pre-beta-HDL species in native plasma was determined. An antibody identifying residues 137-144 of the mature protein uniquely recognized pre-beta-1 HDL, an HDL species of low molecular weight implicated in early cholesterol transport from cell membranes to plasma [Castro, G. R., & Fielding, C. J. (1988) Biochemistry 27, 25-29]. Incubation of plasma with this antibody significantly inhibited the efflux of labeled cholesterol from cultured fibroblast monolayers. A second antibody, binding to residues 93-99 of apo A-I, recognized a second pre-beta-HDL species (pre-beta-2 HDL) but not pre-beta-1 HDL and did not inhibit cholesterol efflux. Several other antibodies had broad specificity for HDL (including pre-beta-1 HDL). This research suggests that apo A-I residues 137-144 are adjacent to or part of a structural site in pre-beta-1 HDL active in promoting the efflux of cellular cholesterol and that this site is not exposed in other HDL species.

Amino Acid Sequence

Immunoreactivity of apo B towards monoclonal antibodies that inhibit the LDL-receptor interaction: effects of LDL oxidation.

We studied the immunochemical stability of the epitopes for six monoclonal antibodies to human apolipoprotein B-100 upon Cu(2+)-mediated (20 microM) oxidation of LDL. The antibodies used in this study, some of which are known to interfere with the interaction of LDL with their cellular receptors, recognize epitopes in the amino terminal region (Mb 19), in the middle part (6B, 2A, 7A, and 9A) and near aa 3500 (Mb 47) of native apo B. All antibodies except one (7A) recognized native and oxidized LDL (OxLDL) equally well; the immunoreactivity of the epitope for Ab 7A was markedly reduced upon LDL oxidation. Since antibodies 2A, 7A, 9A, and Mb 47 inhibit the LDL-receptor interaction and OxLDL poorly interact in vitro with the LDL receptor we conclude that: (1) various epitopes for monoclonal antibodies against native apo B are spared upon LDL oxidation; and (2) the epitopes for antibodies 2A, 9A, and Mb 47 do not define a unique domain of apo B directly involved in the binding of LDL to their receptor.

Antibodies, Monoclonal

Comparative study of the activity and composition of HDL3 in Russian and American men.

Previous studies conducted within the framework of the Lipid Research Clinics Program showed a strong inverse correlation between high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) level and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in American male populations, whereas in Russian populations such a correlation was less pronounced. It was assumed that HDL was less protective of CHD in Russian than in American males. This study compared the functional activity and lipid composition of HDL3 isolated from the blood plasma of men with low, normal, and high HDL-C levels from Moscow (Russia) and Seattle (United States) populations. Results obtained showed that American HDL3, irrespective of the plasma HDL-C level, had higher activity in stimulating both [3H]cholesterol and cholesterol mass efflux from cholesterol-loaded fibroblasts and in suppressing cellular cholesterol esterification when compared with Russian HDL3. American HDL3 remained more active than Russian HDL3, even when apolipoprotein E-containing particles were removed from HDL3 by heparin-Sepharose affinity chromatography. Russian and American 125I-HDL3 had similar binding to high-affinity cell-surface sites, but Russian HDL3 had a higher nonspecific binding component compared with American HDL3. This study demonstrates for the first time potential functional differences between HDL particles isolated from Russian and American populations. The lower activity of Russian HDL3 in promoting cellular cholesterol efflux may partly explain the higher CHD risk in the Russian population compared with the American one.

Adult

Fish eye syndrome: a molecular defect in the lecithin-cholesterol acyltransferase (LCAT) gene associated with normal alpha-LCAT-specific activity. Implications for classification and prognosis.

We have identified the molecular defect in two siblings presenting with classical clinical and biochemical features of Fish Eye disease (FED), including corneal opacities, HDL cholesterol < 10 mg/dl, normal plasma cholesteryl esters, and elevated triglycerides. In contrast to previously reported patients with FED who are unable to esterify HDL-associated cholesterol, our patients' plasma lecithin-cholesterol acetyltransferase (alpha-LCAT)-specific activities assayed using an HDL-like proteoliposome substrate were 12.7-25.7 nmol/micrograms (19.5 +/- 1.8 in controls). In addition, significant residual cholesterol esterification was present in VLDL/LDL-depleted plasma, confirming the presence of HDL-associated alpha-LCAT activity. DNA sequence analysis of the proband's LCAT gene identified deletion of the triplet coding for leu300, which resulted in the loss of a restriction site for MlnI. Digestion of PCR-amplified DNA using MlnI established that both siblings are homozygous for this defect. Expression of LCAT300-del. in human embryonic kidney-293 cells revealed normal mRNA and intracellular LCAT concentrations. However, reduced amounts of LCAT300-del., which had a normal specific alpha-LCAT activity, were present in the media. In summary, we report the first case of FED associated with a mutant enzyme that has a normal alpha-LCAT-specific activity. The functional significance of this LCAT gene defect has been established in an in vitro expression system, which demonstrates that very small amounts of this functional LCAT mutant enzyme accumulate in the media. Characterization of LCAT300-del. established that selective alpha-LCAT deficiency is not a prerequisite for the development of FED. On the basis of our combined results, we propose that the residual amounts of total plasma LCAT activity and not its distribution on lipoproteins primarily determines the heterogeneity in phenotypic expression observed in familial LCAT deficiency syndromes.

Base Sequence